Prominent facts· Tulane is one of the most highly-regarded and selective independent research universities in the United States and it is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, an association of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.

· The university recently has undergone major athletics facility improvements, including a major renovation of the Devlin Fieldhouse, home of the Green Wave men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs, and construction of the Hertz Center, which is one of the top basketball and volleyball practice facilities in the country. Greer Field at Turchin Stadium, home of the Green Wave baseball team, also was completed in 2008.

· Green Wave student-athletes have been among the highest achievers in the nation in the classroom the last eight years, according to the most recent multi-year Academic Performance Rates.

· New Orleans, one of the top destination cities in the United States, was listed as the top selection for “America’s Favorite City” by Travel & Leisure in 2012 and its population of 1,337,726 ranks 35th nationally.

· The baseball program has appeared in two College World Series, won four Conference USA Regular Season Championships and five tournament crowns.

· Tulane has served as the host institution for four NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours and it also hosted the 2013 NCAA Women’s Final Four.

Notable alumni· Martha Walters Barnett — First woman to chair the American Bar Association’s policy-making body, the House of Delegates· Corrine Lindy Boggs — Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and member of the U.S. House of Representatives· Thomas Hale Boggs — Former U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader· Dr. Bobby Brown — Former Major League Baseball infielder for the New York Yankee and American League President· Michael E. DeBakey, Ph.D — Pioneer in the field of heart surgery and innovator of military MASH units· Dave Dixon — Instrumental in bringing a National Football League franchise to New Orleans, braintrust behind the construction of the Louisiana Superdome and founder of the United States Football League· Matt Forte — National Football League Pro Bowl running back for the Chicago Bears· Paul Michael Glaser — Actor· Bruce Paltrow — Hollywood director and producer